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NFL Draft 2018: Five best picks of the first round

By Rucker Haringey

TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive End Bradley Chubb
TALLAHASSEE, FL - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive End Bradley Chubb /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 03: University of Texas at San Antonio defensive lineman Marcus Davenport answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 3, 2018 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 03: University of Texas at San Antonio defensive lineman Marcus Davenport answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on March 3, 2018 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Marcus Davenport — New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints paid a high price to move up and grab UTSA defensive end Marcus Davenport with the No. 14 selection. Even at that price, I think it represents an excellent value move by Sean Payton and company.

New Orleans is in a rather unique position as a franchise. They know quarterback Drew Brees is nearing the end of his illustrious career. Even at such an advanced age, he gives the Saints a legitimate chance to make a Super Bowl run. That means that New Orleans needs to do everything they can this offseason to maximize their chances of winning another title with Brees at the helm.

Davenport won’t help the New Orleans offense, but he will address one of their defense’s biggest weaknesses. Outside of Cam Jordan the Saints are entirely devoid of legitimate pass rushers. After Brandon Chubb, Davenport is the best pass rusher available. It might take him half a season to get up to speed with the NFL game, but he could emerge as a difference-maker by the time the playoffs roll around.

You’ll see a lot of writers ding the Saints for giving up too much to move up far enough to acquire Davenport. They will argue, at that price, New Orleans should have selected a more pro-ready player. It’s all nonsense. They needed to do something bold to give Brees a better chance to reach the Super Bowl this season. This was a smart, calculated gamble by the Saints front office.